ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Jaguars have been about youth, youth, youth, but Monday’s reported release of Nate Hughes is about something else they smartly want to emphasize: consequences and accountability.

Hughes started with the Browns as an undrafted rookie in 2008 and finished the season on the Jaguars' roster. During training camp he proved himself more game ready than any of the team’s three draft picks.

But a touchdown pass that bounced off his facemask was apparently part of what led the Jaguars to decide they can fare better elsewhere, even on the day it also became known they’ve lost Troy Williamson for the season with a shoulder injury. (Michael C. Wright's story on the developments is here.)

What’s next? Well, it’s time to turn to more of the draft class. Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard haven’t dressed for the first two games and Tiquan Underwood is likely to be promoted from the practice squad to fill Williamson's spot once he's officially placed on injured reserve.

The 22nd-ranked passing offense has been horrible and David Garrard is averaging a 5.69-yard gain per pass, better than only St. Louis’ Marc Bulger, Cleveland’s Brady Quinn and Detroit’s Matthew Stafford.

Torry Holt can’t magically cure things, surely has unfavorable matchups and is running routes for a quarterback who’s been shaky. But the Jaguars brought the veteran in to settle the group and lead, and now he’s got an ever bigger opportunity to do both.
Here's what the team announced in terms of roster moves:

• Signed rookie cornerback William Middleton off Atlanta’s practice squad.
• Signed rookie free-agent safety Courtney Greene.
• Released veteran tight end Greg Estandia.
• Released Hughes.
• Waived safety Michael Desormeaux from the practice squad.
• Signed first-year linebacker Justin Roland to the practice squad.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Houston

• Linebacker Buster Davis
• Running back Arian Foster
• Center Brett Helms
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive end Jesse Nading
• Receiver Darnell Jenkins
• Cornerback Mark Parson
• Offensive tackle Adam Stenavich

Indianapolis (one spot to fill)

• Tight end Colin Cloherty
• Receiver Sam Giguere
• Defensive tackle John Gill
• Running back Mike Hart
• Receiver John Matthews
• Guard Jaimie Thomas
• Receiver Taj Smith

Jacksonville

• Receiver Tiquan Underwood
• Fullback Brock Bolen
• Guard Cameron Stephenson
• Center-guard Cecil Newton
• Running back Josh Vaughan
• Defensive end Jeremy Navarre
• Safety Michael Desormeaux
• Quarterback Richard Bartel

(Early version was courtesy of Michael C. Wright)

Tennessee

• Guard Ryan Durand
• Fullback Rodney Ferguson
• Defensive tackle Mitch King
• Receiver Phillip Morris
• Safety Nick Schommer
• Offensive lineman Fernando Velasco
• Receiver Paul Williams

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

The Jaguars cuts, just announced by the team:

Tight end Richard Angulo

Safety Marlon McCree

Running back Alvin Pearman

Offensive lineman Tony Pashos

Linebacker Tim Shaw

Running back Chauncey Washington

Punter Steve Weatherford

Defensive back Brian Williams

Linebacker Thomas Williams

Long snapper Joe Zelenka

Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood

Quarterback Todd Boeckman

Fullback Brock Bolen

Safety Michael Desormeaux

Cornerback Pete Ittersagen

Defensive end Jeremy Navarre

Center Cecil Newton

Wide receiver Todd Peterson

Guard Cameron Stephenson

Running back Josh Vaughan

Linebacker Johnny Williams

The team also placed defensive tackle Rob Meier (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

A quick trip around the division to consider some long shots who've looked good. Rosters get cut from 80 to 75 on Sept. 1, then to 53 on Sept. 5.


Houston

Free safety John Busing is a big hitter and a solid special teamer. Does he have enough upside at a questionable position for the Texans to keep him over a veteran like Nick Ferguson or Brandon Harrison, a fifth-rounder from 2007?

I also heard good things about defensive end Tim Jamison, who's got some likeable rush skills.

Two receivers have created a little bit of a buzz. And it wouldn't be a big surprise if Glenn Martinez or Darnell Jenkins make the team, especially if the Texans find another punt returner and decide they're done with Jacoby Jones.



Indianapolis

Cornerback Jacob Lacey has gotten his hands on a lot of balls and could prompt the Colts to keep him at the back end of their cornerback group. Might he stick ahead of Dante Hughes or prompt them to go heavy at the spot?

Linebacker Ramon Humbler has shown promise and can be a good special teamer.

The last receiver could be one of two relative unknowns. Both Brett McDermott and John Matthews are quiet and go unnoticed until the ball comes their way, then they catch it. Both are more quick than fast and they are roughly the same size at about 6-0, 200.

Chad Simpson and Lance Ball are likely going head to head for the final running back slot, but neither qualifies as a long shot.



Jacksonville

Word is that receiver Nate Hughes has moved beyond long shot and is early assured of a spot. He could rank as high as fourth now, and could make the team at the expense of one of the three draft picks. Or maybe that means Mike Thomas (groin) to IR?

Linebacker Russell Allen was the team's primary target among undrafteds and looks to have a great shot of making the roster.

Longer shots? Michael Desormeaux could oust Marlon McCree as a reserve safety or Pete Ittersagen could overtake Scott Starks as a reserve corner.



Tennessee

A deep roster with a draft class of 11 doesn't leave room for many street free agents or undrafted to emerge. So a late-round draft picks making it could qualify as a bit of an upset.

Cornerback Jason McCourty's been far better than Cary Williams and Dominique Edison looks to rank fourth at wide receiver right now.

With Leroy Harris heading back to a backup role as Kevin Mawae comes off PUP, Fernando Velasco's chance is probably gone.